Philosophy

The major focuses on developing rigorously critical and creative thinking across a range of issues, from the purely theoretical to the specific and practical, from such questions as the nature of objectivity to whether meat-eating is morally permissible.

It emphasizes problem-solving, methods for resolving conflicting positions, and cultivation of the moral imagination and expansion of human sympathies. It also advances understanding and appreciation of relationships between the various disciplines and fields of study. It accomplishes these goals by means of a combination of historical, analytical, and synthesizing studies. This kind of philosophical work prepares students for a variety of positions that call for clear, rigorous, creative, and humane analysis and judgment.

Philosophy Major

Associate Professor B. Frazier, Chair

Fifteen courses (45 semester hours) are needed to complete the major. At least six courses (18 semester hours) must be taken at the 300-level.

Three additional courses from any of the courses listed above (9 sem. hrs.) or PHIL 395 Tutorial in Philosophy and/or PHIL 399 Independent Study in Philosophy

Philosophy and Religion Minor

Associate Professor B. Frazier, Coordinator

The minor in philosophy and religion is an integrated selection of courses designed to underscore the importance of free inquiry, critical reflection, and reasoned discourse in the interchange of ideas and issues between these areas.

The total number of courses required for the minor is 7 (21 semester hours).